Reconnecting with nature
RHIOS
RHIOS - Recursos Hídricos, Inovação, Oportunidade e Sustentabilidade
The RHIOS Strategy of the Municipality of Santarém is a transformative approach to the sustainable management of Water Resources, integrating environmental innovation, ecological restoration and the active participation of citizens, through flagship projects that restore river connectivity, apply Nature-Based Solutions, conserve native Biodiversity with the aim of having a positive impact on the well-being of local communities by improving Riverine Ecosystems and Restoring Nature.
Portugal
Local
Santarém Municipality
Mainly rural
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2024-12-20
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The RHIOS Strategy is a multidisciplinary, integrated and innovative approach to the Sustainable Management of Water Resources, promoting climate resilience, the conservation of Biodiversity and the Well-being of citizens. Its central objective is to restore and enhance Riparian Ecosystems through the implementation of nature-based solutions (SBN), the control of invasive exotic species and the active involvement of the local community, promoting Environmental Democracy.
RHIOS includes several strategic pillars that are interconnected and complement each other, namely, The Removal of River Barriers, which promoted river connectivity, eliminating obstacles that compromised water flow and the migration of aquatic species with critically endangered conservation status, contributing to the improvement of Riparian Ecosystems; The application of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Natural Engineering, such as live stakes and willow braids, made it possible to restore 7.7 kilometres of river banks, making the habitats more resilient to Climate Change; Biodiversity Conservation aims to safeguard existing native Biodiversity by controlling invasive exotic species such as the Chinese Mitten crab and the Louisiana red crayfish, mitigating their negative impacts on the Riparian Ecosystem; Community involvement in co-creation actions to renaturalise rivers and streams promotes communities that are more aware, participative and prepared to face environmental challenges.
The results that stand out, is notably the rehabilitation and maintenance of 23 stretches of rivers and streams, the renaturation of more than 7.7 km of riparian ecosystems, the removal of 2 river barriers that allowed river connectivity to be re-established in 5.8 km of rivers and streams, the control of invasive species in more than 13 hectares of rivers and streams and the planting of more than 8,700 native trees, contributing to the improvement of water resources in the territory.
RHIOS includes several strategic pillars that are interconnected and complement each other, namely, The Removal of River Barriers, which promoted river connectivity, eliminating obstacles that compromised water flow and the migration of aquatic species with critically endangered conservation status, contributing to the improvement of Riparian Ecosystems; The application of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Natural Engineering, such as live stakes and willow braids, made it possible to restore 7.7 kilometres of river banks, making the habitats more resilient to Climate Change; Biodiversity Conservation aims to safeguard existing native Biodiversity by controlling invasive exotic species such as the Chinese Mitten crab and the Louisiana red crayfish, mitigating their negative impacts on the Riparian Ecosystem; Community involvement in co-creation actions to renaturalise rivers and streams promotes communities that are more aware, participative and prepared to face environmental challenges.
The results that stand out, is notably the rehabilitation and maintenance of 23 stretches of rivers and streams, the renaturation of more than 7.7 km of riparian ecosystems, the removal of 2 river barriers that allowed river connectivity to be re-established in 5.8 km of rivers and streams, the control of invasive species in more than 13 hectares of rivers and streams and the planting of more than 8,700 native trees, contributing to the improvement of water resources in the territory.
Nature-Based Solutions
Biodiversity Conservation
Environmental Democracy
River Connectivity
Co-creation
The implementation of the RHIOS strategy provides equal opportunities for the citizens of the national territory, since the rehabilitation of rivers and streams contributes to the improvement of territories, associated with their environmental and landscape quality, with the consequent reinforcement of the self-esteem of populations and improvement of territorial cohesion/identity, considering that rivers and streams mirror experiences, customs, uses and traditions, representing added value for local communities associated with riverside ecosystems.
RHIOS has made it possible to enhance social experiences in riverside areas, fostering society's awareness of the environmental and social value of water resources and their ecosystems. The intervention in rivers and streams has made it possible to use the spaces for leisure and recreational activities, resulting in benefits for people's quality of life. At the same time, new social and economic dynamics have been created, boosting new business niches related to sustainable tourism.
Considering that the dissemination of technical knowledge to the community, complemented by actions demonstrating the application of natural engineering techniques, allows for the replicability and continuation of the rehabilitation of rivers and streams over time by the key players.
This project is based on a public strategy to mobilise local communities through participatory governance that is close to the citizen, based on valuing endogenous and natural resources as a competitive factor for territories.
The exemplary nature of RHIOS lies in its ability to integrate innovative solutions with traditional water management practices, demonstrating that collaboration between local authorities, the community and nature can generate significant results for sustainability, serving as a replicable model for other regions with similar environmental challenges.
RHIOS has made it possible to enhance social experiences in riverside areas, fostering society's awareness of the environmental and social value of water resources and their ecosystems. The intervention in rivers and streams has made it possible to use the spaces for leisure and recreational activities, resulting in benefits for people's quality of life. At the same time, new social and economic dynamics have been created, boosting new business niches related to sustainable tourism.
Considering that the dissemination of technical knowledge to the community, complemented by actions demonstrating the application of natural engineering techniques, allows for the replicability and continuation of the rehabilitation of rivers and streams over time by the key players.
This project is based on a public strategy to mobilise local communities through participatory governance that is close to the citizen, based on valuing endogenous and natural resources as a competitive factor for territories.
The exemplary nature of RHIOS lies in its ability to integrate innovative solutions with traditional water management practices, demonstrating that collaboration between local authorities, the community and nature can generate significant results for sustainability, serving as a replicable model for other regions with similar environmental challenges.
This strategy is an example of how municipalities, as local authorities, within the scope of their powers and competences, can foster cooperation and the establishment of synergies between different players in society who mobilise their available resources, at no direct cost.
The strategy helps to restore the beauty, integrity, resilience and connectivity of aquatic ecosystems in the municipality of Santarém, contributing to the sustainability of water resources through the use of local plants and vegetation, which are very accessible and inexpensive, and can be replicated by other local, regional and national authorities.
On a social level, we would highlight the increase in feelings of belonging and identity in the community, promoting active citizenship based on a culture that values civic participation, environmental responsibility and the promotion of a healthy life, as factors of personal and collective development, enhancing inclusion and social cohesion and increasing people's happiness index.
By actively participating in RHIOS initiatives, citizens realise the positive impact of their actions on the environment and the community's quality of life, promoting a positive and conscious attitude towards sustainability and safeguarding natural resources.
RHIOS is a distinctive project that stands out for its impact on the quality of the citizen experience, creating an emotional connection between communities and their natural ecosystems, transforming degraded ecosystems into vibrant natural landscapes in spaces that combine nature, culture and the well-being of citizens. It has promoted cultural enrichment, recovering memories and traditions linked to rivers, integrating these narratives into local identity, allowing an immersion in the environmental and cultural heritage of the Santarém territory.
The strategy helps to restore the beauty, integrity, resilience and connectivity of aquatic ecosystems in the municipality of Santarém, contributing to the sustainability of water resources through the use of local plants and vegetation, which are very accessible and inexpensive, and can be replicated by other local, regional and national authorities.
On a social level, we would highlight the increase in feelings of belonging and identity in the community, promoting active citizenship based on a culture that values civic participation, environmental responsibility and the promotion of a healthy life, as factors of personal and collective development, enhancing inclusion and social cohesion and increasing people's happiness index.
By actively participating in RHIOS initiatives, citizens realise the positive impact of their actions on the environment and the community's quality of life, promoting a positive and conscious attitude towards sustainability and safeguarding natural resources.
RHIOS is a distinctive project that stands out for its impact on the quality of the citizen experience, creating an emotional connection between communities and their natural ecosystems, transforming degraded ecosystems into vibrant natural landscapes in spaces that combine nature, culture and the well-being of citizens. It has promoted cultural enrichment, recovering memories and traditions linked to rivers, integrating these narratives into local identity, allowing an immersion in the environmental and cultural heritage of the Santarém territory.
Natural resources used to be inaccessible and indifferent to citizens. With RHIOS, access to natural spaces has been enhanced, which can be experienced and felt, creating opportunities for new experiences. RHIOS' mission is to define strategies and guidelines for the sustainable development of water resources in Santarém municipality, promoting their conservation and enhancement in cooperation with key players to change the paradigm from the inefficient use of natural resources to a differentiating element in the competitiveness of territories. The strategy's initiatives are carried out using the human and material resources of the various organisations involved, without them having to make any additional investments.
Rivers and streams reflect the experiences, customs, uses and traditions of a people. RHIOS has made it possible to boost social life in riverside areas and their use for leisure and recreational activities, resulting in benefits for people's quality of life.
With regard to the strategy's social inclusion, the involvement of various key players in society stands out, such as citizens, fishermen, cultural and recreational associations, companies, educational establishments, the scientific community, charitable and social action institutions and local and national public bodies.
The initiatives involved the local community and groups of citizens, namely: motorbike groups, APPACDM, parish councils, fishermen, civic movements, schools and volunteers. It is estimated that the initiatives have directly involved 27,354 citizens to date, representing around 47% of Santarém Municipality population.
By implementing processes of co-creation and active participation, involving various stakeholders in river renaturalisation actions, it is possible to promote an inclusive Environmental Democracy, where local knowledge is valued and integrated into the solutions, contributing to increasing Environmental Literacy and raising awareness among several generations.
Rivers and streams reflect the experiences, customs, uses and traditions of a people. RHIOS has made it possible to boost social life in riverside areas and their use for leisure and recreational activities, resulting in benefits for people's quality of life.
With regard to the strategy's social inclusion, the involvement of various key players in society stands out, such as citizens, fishermen, cultural and recreational associations, companies, educational establishments, the scientific community, charitable and social action institutions and local and national public bodies.
The initiatives involved the local community and groups of citizens, namely: motorbike groups, APPACDM, parish councils, fishermen, civic movements, schools and volunteers. It is estimated that the initiatives have directly involved 27,354 citizens to date, representing around 47% of Santarém Municipality population.
By implementing processes of co-creation and active participation, involving various stakeholders in river renaturalisation actions, it is possible to promote an inclusive Environmental Democracy, where local knowledge is valued and integrated into the solutions, contributing to increasing Environmental Literacy and raising awareness among several generations.
The RHIOS Strategy was conceived with a strong public participation component, promoting the active involvement of citizens and local communities in the sustainable management of water resources and the restoration of nature with a crucial role in co-creating environmental solutions. It stands out as a clear example of this participatory model, directly involving the community in activities such as planting native species, removing invasive species and monitoring biodiversity. This approach has created a sense of belonging and collective responsibility, strengthening the bonds between citizens and their territory.
RHIOS makes it possible to disseminate scientific knowledge of Nature-Based Solutions, Biodiversity conservation and Ecosystem Services, in an accessible and low-cost way, to citizens and organisations that want to be an active element in preserving the environmental heritage of rivers and streams.
The initiatives have made it possible to create favourable conditions for increasing Biodiversity and, on the other hand, to set positive examples of intervention in water resources by encouraging landowners bordering rivers and streams to rehabilitate the water lines on their properties, as a way of achieving the environmental objectives enshrined in the Water Framework Directive.
The exemplary nature of RHIOS lies in its ability to transform ecological restoration into a participatory and inclusive process, where citizens are not just beneficiaries but real agents of change, with a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and the social cohesion of the territory.
The involvement of civil society with RHIOS, through its various initiatives, has made it possible to create dynamics of environmental valorisation and protection throughout the territory of Santarém, with the community involved conveying a sense of belonging and responsibility for protecting the water resource that has been lost over the decades.
RHIOS makes it possible to disseminate scientific knowledge of Nature-Based Solutions, Biodiversity conservation and Ecosystem Services, in an accessible and low-cost way, to citizens and organisations that want to be an active element in preserving the environmental heritage of rivers and streams.
The initiatives have made it possible to create favourable conditions for increasing Biodiversity and, on the other hand, to set positive examples of intervention in water resources by encouraging landowners bordering rivers and streams to rehabilitate the water lines on their properties, as a way of achieving the environmental objectives enshrined in the Water Framework Directive.
The exemplary nature of RHIOS lies in its ability to transform ecological restoration into a participatory and inclusive process, where citizens are not just beneficiaries but real agents of change, with a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and the social cohesion of the territory.
The involvement of civil society with RHIOS, through its various initiatives, has made it possible to create dynamics of environmental valorisation and protection throughout the territory of Santarém, with the community involved conveying a sense of belonging and responsibility for protecting the water resource that has been lost over the decades.
The Santarém municipality is a public organisation that implements local land management policies. It has the capacity to mobilise and involve its citizens in the public participation process, as well as to bring together different public and private organisations.
The involvement of stakeholders at various levels of governance has enabled the creation of the RHIOS Strategy based on restoring river connectivity, renaturalising rivers and streams, applying Nature-Based Solutions, conserving Biodiversity and actively involving citizens, in order to respond to new environmental challenges that are transversal to all citizens.
The focus of RHIOS is to involve stakeholders at local level, namely parish councils, educational establishments, cultural and recreational associations, fishermen and volunteers, considering that the recommended actions are designed so that it is possible for anyone to replicate the rehabilitation action afterwards.
The participation of the scientific community in the RHIOS Strategy disseminates scientific knowledge to citizens, brings science closer together and contributes to the dissemination of good practices to be applied in the area of river rehabilitation, allowing society to be an integral part of the preservation of water resources.
At national level, the involvement of public institutions, such as the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), ensured coordination with national environmental and water management policies, as well as ensuring compliance with national legislation on biodiversity conservation and control of invasive species.
The added value of this multi-level involvement lies in the creation of synergies between different levels of governance, promoting a more robust approach adapted to the specificities of the territory, leveraging resources, sharing good practices and strengthening cooperation networks, guaranteeing more robust and effective results.
The involvement of stakeholders at various levels of governance has enabled the creation of the RHIOS Strategy based on restoring river connectivity, renaturalising rivers and streams, applying Nature-Based Solutions, conserving Biodiversity and actively involving citizens, in order to respond to new environmental challenges that are transversal to all citizens.
The focus of RHIOS is to involve stakeholders at local level, namely parish councils, educational establishments, cultural and recreational associations, fishermen and volunteers, considering that the recommended actions are designed so that it is possible for anyone to replicate the rehabilitation action afterwards.
The participation of the scientific community in the RHIOS Strategy disseminates scientific knowledge to citizens, brings science closer together and contributes to the dissemination of good practices to be applied in the area of river rehabilitation, allowing society to be an integral part of the preservation of water resources.
At national level, the involvement of public institutions, such as the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), ensured coordination with national environmental and water management policies, as well as ensuring compliance with national legislation on biodiversity conservation and control of invasive species.
The added value of this multi-level involvement lies in the creation of synergies between different levels of governance, promoting a more robust approach adapted to the specificities of the territory, leveraging resources, sharing good practices and strengthening cooperation networks, guaranteeing more robust and effective results.
Environmental issues are acknowledged to be complex, leading to the need to bring disciplines from different fields of knowledge into this domain in order to ensure a holistic vision and provide new solutions to these problems. In this context, transdisciplinarity is an important instrument to adopt, since it enables a new approach of interconnection between man and Nature, promoting a change in the current paradigm.
The RHIOS strategy is an example of how different visions about Natural Resources can be integrated, demonstrating that there are no absolute truths or domination of a discipline over the others, but that cooperation between the parties contributes to the improvement of the quality of the Environment and citizens' well-being.
The core of the project is based on different areas of scientific knowledge and public participation to solve the problem of degradation of the riverside ecosystems, allowing a change in the perception of Nature and consequently stimulating a new understanding of the importance of natural values for Man. It promotes intersectoral collaboration, demonstrating that complex environmental challenges require integrated responses based on dialogue between different disciplines and the active involvement of all actors in society.
This project covers several scientific areas, namely:
- Biology, Ecology and Environmental Engineering, with a view to regenerating the riverside ecosystem and preserving native biodiversity.
- Hydraulics, Natural Engineering and Physical Engineering, with a view to applying structural solutions to consolidate river and stream banks, mitigating the effects of floods and preventing erosion.
RHIOS includes the sociology and public participation component as the integration of cultural values generates emotional benefits, establishing a link to the place, promoting a sense of belonging and safeguarding rivers and streams.
The RHIOS strategy is an example of how different visions about Natural Resources can be integrated, demonstrating that there are no absolute truths or domination of a discipline over the others, but that cooperation between the parties contributes to the improvement of the quality of the Environment and citizens' well-being.
The core of the project is based on different areas of scientific knowledge and public participation to solve the problem of degradation of the riverside ecosystems, allowing a change in the perception of Nature and consequently stimulating a new understanding of the importance of natural values for Man. It promotes intersectoral collaboration, demonstrating that complex environmental challenges require integrated responses based on dialogue between different disciplines and the active involvement of all actors in society.
This project covers several scientific areas, namely:
- Biology, Ecology and Environmental Engineering, with a view to regenerating the riverside ecosystem and preserving native biodiversity.
- Hydraulics, Natural Engineering and Physical Engineering, with a view to applying structural solutions to consolidate river and stream banks, mitigating the effects of floods and preventing erosion.
RHIOS includes the sociology and public participation component as the integration of cultural values generates emotional benefits, establishing a link to the place, promoting a sense of belonging and safeguarding rivers and streams.
The RHIOS Strategy stands out for its innovative character, adopting a multidisciplinary, integrated and participatory approach to the Sustainable Management of Water Resources and the restoration of Riparian Ecosystems, as opposed to conventional actions that often resort to grey infrastructure and Civil Engineering solutions. The strategy focuses on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and Natural Engineering to promote the recovery of Ecosystems, resilient to Climate Change and rooted in Environmental Democracy.
This strategy is based on the mobilisation of local communities, capable of boosting the local economy, creating jobs and promoting quality of life through participatory governance that is close to the citizen, based on valuing natural resources as a competitive factor for the territories. It aims to be a benchmark in the efficient management of resources and innovation, committed to the sustainability of water resources at local level, stimulating the competitiveness of territories and being a lever for environmental, social and economic development.
The abandonment of rural areas and, consequently, rivers and streams, calls for innovative solutions that encourage public participation to safeguard a common good. The innovative character of this project is the inclusion of society in the process of rehabilitating rivers and streams, through the sharing of scientific knowledge transmitted in concrete actions on the ground in which citizens themselves implement nature-based solutions in moments of coexistence and sharing.
RHIOS is an example of how municipalities, as local authorities, within the scope of their powers and competences, can foster cooperation and the establishment of synergies between different actors in society who mobilise their available resources in the rehabilitation of rivers and streams.
This strategy is based on the mobilisation of local communities, capable of boosting the local economy, creating jobs and promoting quality of life through participatory governance that is close to the citizen, based on valuing natural resources as a competitive factor for the territories. It aims to be a benchmark in the efficient management of resources and innovation, committed to the sustainability of water resources at local level, stimulating the competitiveness of territories and being a lever for environmental, social and economic development.
The abandonment of rural areas and, consequently, rivers and streams, calls for innovative solutions that encourage public participation to safeguard a common good. The innovative character of this project is the inclusion of society in the process of rehabilitating rivers and streams, through the sharing of scientific knowledge transmitted in concrete actions on the ground in which citizens themselves implement nature-based solutions in moments of coexistence and sharing.
RHIOS is an example of how municipalities, as local authorities, within the scope of their powers and competences, can foster cooperation and the establishment of synergies between different actors in society who mobilise their available resources in the rehabilitation of rivers and streams.
The Municipality of Santarém, as the local authority, within the scope of its attributions and competences, to involve the different actors of the society for the mobilization of the available resources fostering the cooperation work and the establishment of synergies in a vision of improvement and valorization of the Riparian Ecosystems, reinforcing territorial identity and the safeguard of Environmental values
The RHIOS strategy promotes the involvement of stakeholders at various levels of governance in the creation and execution of the river rehabilitation projects through nature-based solutions, namely the application of Natural Engineering techniques, to address river connectivity, biodiversity loss and riparian galleries fragmentation
The RHIOS Strategy follows a multidisciplinary, community-centred, and nature-based methodology, where it integrates technical expertise from environmental engineering, biology, and ecology to identify ecological priorities, such as removing physical barriers, restoring riverbanks, and controlling invasive alien species.
It applies a co-creation approach that actively involves local citizens in decision-making and fieldwork, instead of a top-down management style, embracing a participatory governance, where citizens become active contributors and environmental stewards through participation and mutual learning
The strategy leverages NBS and Natural Engineering by focusing on regenerative methods like live fascines and biodegradable materials that allows avoiding heavy grey infrastructure, making it feasible to link ecological functionality with aesthetic and cultural values, while creating a healthier and more resilient riparian ecosystem
RHIOS ensures ongoing monitoring and evaluation, using both scientific data and community feedback, through adaptive management framework that allows for timely adjustments, ensuring that interventions remain effective, inclusive, and beneficial to both the environment and local population
The RHIOS strategy promotes the involvement of stakeholders at various levels of governance in the creation and execution of the river rehabilitation projects through nature-based solutions, namely the application of Natural Engineering techniques, to address river connectivity, biodiversity loss and riparian galleries fragmentation
The RHIOS Strategy follows a multidisciplinary, community-centred, and nature-based methodology, where it integrates technical expertise from environmental engineering, biology, and ecology to identify ecological priorities, such as removing physical barriers, restoring riverbanks, and controlling invasive alien species.
It applies a co-creation approach that actively involves local citizens in decision-making and fieldwork, instead of a top-down management style, embracing a participatory governance, where citizens become active contributors and environmental stewards through participation and mutual learning
The strategy leverages NBS and Natural Engineering by focusing on regenerative methods like live fascines and biodegradable materials that allows avoiding heavy grey infrastructure, making it feasible to link ecological functionality with aesthetic and cultural values, while creating a healthier and more resilient riparian ecosystem
RHIOS ensures ongoing monitoring and evaluation, using both scientific data and community feedback, through adaptive management framework that allows for timely adjustments, ensuring that interventions remain effective, inclusive, and beneficial to both the environment and local population
RHIOS is a successful example of partnership work between local entities that results in visible benefits for the community and allows compliance with National and European Environment Laws, being a win-win situation. This strategy is the result of defining strategies and guidelines for the Sustainable Development of water resources in the municipality of Santarém, that allow the construction of a more informed and dynamic society in defence of the Environment and strengthens active and participative citizenship.
The scalability and adaptability of RHIOS make it a model of sustainable river restoration that can be successfully transferred to other locations, benefiting communities and ecological systems while promoting Climate Resilience, Biodiversity conservation, and Environmental Democracy. It´s core methodology is based on NBS, participatory governance, and sustainable water management, making it an ideal blueprint for other municipalities and communities to restore riparian ecosystems while engaging local populations.
The Citizen-powered ecological rehabilitation projects, have demonstrated how community-driven ecological restoration enhances environmental stewardship, making it an effective model for other regions seeking to integrate social participation into environmental projects.
The river rehabilitations projects, have demonstrated that Natural engineering techniques such as live staking, willow weaving, and the use of biodegradable materials, are low-cost and environmentally friendly solutions that can be implemented in both urban and rural areas, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional grey infrastructure.
The Invasive Alien Species projects, demonstrated that its modus operandi in controlling invasive alien species management can be replicated in other regions facing similar ecological threats, providing a sustainable and minimally disruptive solution to Biodiversity conservation.
The scalability and adaptability of RHIOS make it a model of sustainable river restoration that can be successfully transferred to other locations, benefiting communities and ecological systems while promoting Climate Resilience, Biodiversity conservation, and Environmental Democracy. It´s core methodology is based on NBS, participatory governance, and sustainable water management, making it an ideal blueprint for other municipalities and communities to restore riparian ecosystems while engaging local populations.
The Citizen-powered ecological rehabilitation projects, have demonstrated how community-driven ecological restoration enhances environmental stewardship, making it an effective model for other regions seeking to integrate social participation into environmental projects.
The river rehabilitations projects, have demonstrated that Natural engineering techniques such as live staking, willow weaving, and the use of biodegradable materials, are low-cost and environmentally friendly solutions that can be implemented in both urban and rural areas, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional grey infrastructure.
The Invasive Alien Species projects, demonstrated that its modus operandi in controlling invasive alien species management can be replicated in other regions facing similar ecological threats, providing a sustainable and minimally disruptive solution to Biodiversity conservation.
Environmental issues, namely Climate Change and the loss of Biodiversity, are currently the main challenge facing Humanity, with direct consequences on the daily lives of citizens. In this context, it is important to highlight the role that the municipality can assume in the local response and in its capacity to adapt to reality the adequate solutions to the situations that daily affect its populations, being the proximity an added value.
RHIOS, tackles pressing global challenges through local, scalable solutions that have the power to drive global environmental change by integrating the triad Climate resilience, Biodiversity conservation, and Environmental Democracy.
RHIOS also addresses the global challenge of urban-rural environmental disparities through bridging the gaps in ecological health and quality of life in rural areas, where ecological degradation is often more pronounced due to land-use changes, intensive agriculture, and lack of investment in conservation.
It addresses Climate Change, through the use of NBS in Riparian Ecosystems that improves water retention, flood mitigation, and carbon sequestration, creating natural buffers against climate impacts, providing a replicable alternative to conventional grey infrastructure.
RHIOS strengthens ecological corridors, a crucial global strategy for species conservation directly, where restoration of Riparian Ecosystems is the central piece in those efforts, by removing obsolete barriers to river connectivity, controlling alien invasive species, and boosting native Biodiversity.
RHIOS promotes Environmental Democracy by including stakeholders and citizens in decision-making, fostering Environmental Literacy, encouraging active citizenship and promoting the need for a paradigm shift in Water Resources preservation. This participatory model ensures that solutions are socially just, economically viable, and culturally embedded, making environmental action accessible and replicable across different regions.
RHIOS, tackles pressing global challenges through local, scalable solutions that have the power to drive global environmental change by integrating the triad Climate resilience, Biodiversity conservation, and Environmental Democracy.
RHIOS also addresses the global challenge of urban-rural environmental disparities through bridging the gaps in ecological health and quality of life in rural areas, where ecological degradation is often more pronounced due to land-use changes, intensive agriculture, and lack of investment in conservation.
It addresses Climate Change, through the use of NBS in Riparian Ecosystems that improves water retention, flood mitigation, and carbon sequestration, creating natural buffers against climate impacts, providing a replicable alternative to conventional grey infrastructure.
RHIOS strengthens ecological corridors, a crucial global strategy for species conservation directly, where restoration of Riparian Ecosystems is the central piece in those efforts, by removing obsolete barriers to river connectivity, controlling alien invasive species, and boosting native Biodiversity.
RHIOS promotes Environmental Democracy by including stakeholders and citizens in decision-making, fostering Environmental Literacy, encouraging active citizenship and promoting the need for a paradigm shift in Water Resources preservation. This participatory model ensures that solutions are socially just, economically viable, and culturally embedded, making environmental action accessible and replicable across different regions.
The RHIOS strategy has the potential to bring citizens closer to natural resources, reviving memories of enjoying water resources and rethinking their relationship with nature from a life-centred perspective, as opposed to a human-centred one. This project has transformed sites that were inaccessible to the population due to the environmental degradation of riverside ecosystems by the presence of exotic and invasive species, and has shown that by applying nature-based solutions it is possible to regenerate these ecosystems, preventing the loss of biodiversity.
Involving society in the decision-making, participation and evaluation processes in rehabilitation favours the creation of a sense of community and belonging to rivers and streams, identifying the preservation and enhancement of water resources as a common task for the whole community. A civic culture is fostered that considers the environmental value of water resources and ecosystems to be essential, as it adds value to the enjoyment of spaces for leisure and recreational activities, translating into benefits for the quality of life. Citizen participation in rehabilitation activities provides positive experiences, improves the landscape and benefits health, while developing a sense of belonging that translates into the preservation of these spaces over time.
RHIOS results:
- Rehabilitation of 23 stretches of rivers and streams, with the participation of 27,245 citizens and the planting of more than 8,700 native shrub and tree species;
- Restoration of 7.7 kilometres of riverside ecosystems with Nature-Based Solutions;
- Removal of 2 river barriers that re-established 5.8 kilometres of river connectivity;
- Strengthening and increasing native biodiversity;
- Rehabilitation of more than 13 hectares affected by exotic and invasive species;
- Changing attitudes and behaviours in terms of environmental preservation;
- Demonstration of good practices in of water resources rehabilitation.
Involving society in the decision-making, participation and evaluation processes in rehabilitation favours the creation of a sense of community and belonging to rivers and streams, identifying the preservation and enhancement of water resources as a common task for the whole community. A civic culture is fostered that considers the environmental value of water resources and ecosystems to be essential, as it adds value to the enjoyment of spaces for leisure and recreational activities, translating into benefits for the quality of life. Citizen participation in rehabilitation activities provides positive experiences, improves the landscape and benefits health, while developing a sense of belonging that translates into the preservation of these spaces over time.
RHIOS results:
- Rehabilitation of 23 stretches of rivers and streams, with the participation of 27,245 citizens and the planting of more than 8,700 native shrub and tree species;
- Restoration of 7.7 kilometres of riverside ecosystems with Nature-Based Solutions;
- Removal of 2 river barriers that re-established 5.8 kilometres of river connectivity;
- Strengthening and increasing native biodiversity;
- Rehabilitation of more than 13 hectares affected by exotic and invasive species;
- Changing attitudes and behaviours in terms of environmental preservation;
- Demonstration of good practices in of water resources rehabilitation.
